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“If you have been raised in a family with a certain sense of style and have shown an interest in it, you will probably know your own style,” says the boutique manager of Bernardaud. “That will help you in selecting your registry, but we are still available to offer guidance.” Whatever style of registry you create, she offers a very specific outlook. “My personal philosophy is to use what you have. Don’t keep anything in the closet. With all the disasters in the world today, why own good crystal or porcelain if you don’t use it?”
Some brides have a fantasy of living like a Hollywood celebrity. “They want to experience aspects of that style of life, and maybe choose things to imitate that lifestyle.” If you want to entertain lavishly, why not do it? “It’s fun,” says the manager. “It can give you more enjoyment in life. Everything here at Bernardaud has a psychological impact on your own behavior. Surrounding yourself with beautiful things can give you a certain joy. “It is always better to drink a cup of coffee or tea in fine china. Here at Bernardaud, for example, no one uses anything but porcelain, fine crystal, and sterling silver. The food and wine look much more presentable, and taste much better.” To translate your style into specific dinnerware, crystal, and silver, think about what you do now, and also about your dreams. “You need to have your dreams and realize them, because they bring you to your new lifestyle.” Formal & Casual
“Their second pattern would then be one that is more classic on the table. Those usually have the gold or platinum border.” But if you choose only one pattern, she suggests taking something in between. “Those patterns could work either way, according to the accessories you have, like for example, the linen or candles. The accessories you put around your plates can dramatically change the setting from formal to casual as well.” In terms of its importance in your selection, in addition to its décor and pattern is the shape of the piece. “We try to match that as well. “Bernardaud has a color palette that marries very well with old patterns from many different companies. We ask you to come into the store with any items you may have gotten from your mother or grandmother. Then we try to match that with what you want to register for.” Grow with your Registry
“At Bernardaud we have a lot of beautiful classic patterns that will last forever, and which you can accessorize in exciting ways, with, for example, a new set of glasses. That could completely change the look of the table. “A pattern you got from 10 years ago could be made to look upbeat and current, just by changing glasses, tablecloths, or candles.” She recalls a recent party hosted at Bernardaud’s Park Avenue boutique. “We did the party with one pattern, called Constance. That classic pattern features acorns, which represent longevity.” The decorators created four different tables, one for each season. “Though each had the same basic pattern, all the accessories were different. For summer and fall they even used leaves and other elements from nature.” Special Services
“We ask specific questions. ‘Do you entertain at home for cocktails, and then go to dinner afterwards? Are you simple and casual, or more formal?’ As you answer these questions about how you live and how you want to live, we can help you choose.” After understanding your style, your registry consultant might propose several different choices. “You might be more classy, contemporary, or perhaps very elegant.” Depending upon the different flatware and crystal choices you both make, you can impart your own personality into your registry. Bernardaud also gives you a physical example of the pattern you like, an actual dish, for example, to take home to show your fiancé if he is not there with you at the time. “When you and your fiancé have decided upon your pattern, we sit down and assemble the typical five-piece set. For the serving pieces we try to give you what you will need for the typical meals and entertaining you will do, so you can picture yourself using your registry right from the start.”
Then you can look at crystal and flatware. “If you choose a casual light pattern, like Louver or Naxos, for example, we would propose some glasses from Crystal St. Louis. That glass also has a dot on it like the Naxos pattern has. So the patterns blend well. In decorating, sometimes you want to be very minimalist, with one piece that stands out. But a good decorator usually has everything blending together. “We also have a variety of flatware from Christophe and glasses from Baccarat that blend well with many patterns.” Your consultant sends you a finalized list by e-mail. “We also give you business cards that you can send to your friends and guests.” When gifts are bought for you, rather than sending you the actual gifts, Bernardaud puts the money in your account. “We send you a notice telling you what ‘Mr. & Mrs. Porter’ bought for you, so you can send thank you cards. When you come in to reconcile your account after the wedding, you have the option of using that credit for what you want from your registry, or for other items if you’ve changed your mind.” Bernardaud’s Completion Program
You also receive a 10 percent discount annually on your anniversary month. “And if you reconcile within 60 days from your wedding, we give you free shipping. “Once you register, on any Thursday evening we also offer champagne cocktail for you and your friends, so you can show the patterns to your guests. It’s a wonderful party!” Bernardaud |
